Top picks: Open Christchurch 2023

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Bull O’Sullivan’s Lyttelton Studio Monastery, open to the public on Sunday 7 May from 9am–1pm.

Bull O’Sullivan’s Lyttelton Studio Monastery, open to the public on Sunday 7 May from 9am–1pm. Image: Supplied

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The Evangelistic Church, built between 1950 and 1953 by the South City Christian Centre.

The Evangelistic Church, built between 1950 and 1953 by the South City Christian Centre. Image: Peanut Productions

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Field Studio of Architecture’s Te Ora Hou Ōtautahi.

Field Studio of Architecture’s Te Ora Hou Ōtautahi. Image: Peanut Productions

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Warren & Mahoney’s Schneideman House.

Warren & Mahoney’s Schneideman House. Image: Peanut Productions

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Warren & Mahoney’s Schneideman House.

Warren & Mahoney’s Schneideman House. Image: Peanut Productions

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A tour of the University of Canterbury (UC) campus will take place on Sunday 7 May.

A tour of the University of Canterbury (UC) campus will take place on Sunday 7 May. Image: Peanut Productions

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The Peterborough Housing Cooperative, designed by architect Craig South.

The Peterborough Housing Cooperative, designed by architect Craig South. Image: Sarah Rowlands

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Christchurch-based architect Abigail Hurst, of Tell Architecture, is a regular contributor to Architecture NZ and ArchitectureNow. We asked Hurst which projects she’s looking forward to seeing at this year’s Open Christchurch, coming up on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 May.

Open Christchurch 2023 has grown in size from last year, with 50 buildings opening up on 6 and 7 May. This rich array of offerings, available for viewing for one weekend only, makes for tough pickings. So, I am here to tell you what I’m hoping to see in this slim window of time.

The Evangelistic Church, now South City C3

The Evangelistic Church, built between 1950 and 1953 by the South City Christian Centre. Image:  Peanut Productions

I’m honoured to be part of opening the Evangelistic Church, now South City C3, by co-leading an architecture tour through this Modernist work. On the tour, we will share details of the volunteer-driven construction and the features designed by a young Don Donnithorne. As well as a magnificent auditorium space, the church holds many fascinating stories behind its multiple ancillary spaces, including a rumoured tunnel. The thriving community it houses today attests to the building’s design and work by previous generations.

Open access, Sat 6 May: 10am–3pm. Free tours at 10.30am and 1pm, turn up on the day.

Te Ora Hou Ōtautahi

Field Studio of Architecture’s Te Ora Hou Ōtautahi. Image:  Peanut Productions

I love seeing how buildings can serve the community, and Te Ora Hou Ōtautahi is the epitome of just that – and on a limited budget. Field Studio of Architecture has delivered a complex for a kaupapa Māori youth organisation, including outdoor spaces and a gathering area that delights in the history and mahi of the group. Be sure to take in the work by Ngāi Tahu artists that adorns various architectural elements.

Open access, Sat 6 & Sun 7: 10-am–12pm. Free tours, turn up on the day. 

Lyttelton Studio Monastery

Bull O’Sullivan’s Lyttelton Studio Monastery, open to the public on Sunday 7 May from 9am–1pm. Image:  Supplied

See how Bull O’Sullivan uses simple materials to transform small floor areas into a spectacular studio, living space and, most recently, an intimate library. The Lyttelton Studio Monastery is an insight into this great architecture firm and their work, and the views across the harbour will reward the effort of your walk up to this gem on the coast. If you’re hungry for more sea views, Open Chch’s programme will not disappoint, with Mt Pleasant Community Centre and a selection of buildings open in Greater Brighton celebrating the city’s coastal identity through architecture.

Lyttelton Studio is open access, Sun 7 May: 9am–1pm

Schneideman House

Warren & Mahoney’s Schneideman House. Image:  Peanut Productions

Warren & Mahoney’s Schneideman House is a chance to experience a Christchurch Modern dwelling. Although modest in size (when compared to today’s homes), its grace is achieved through Warren & Mahoney’s renowned clarity of planning and simple material palette. Intriguingly, three separate pavilions cater to services, living and sleeping. I’m keen to see how these are set in the landscape and how the spaces do (or don’t) suit living today.

Bookings essential, see openchch.nz.

Transforming the campus of a te tiriti-based university tour

A tour of the University of Canterbury (UC) campus will take place on Sunday 7 May. Image:  Peanut Productions

With so many noteworthy buildings on the University of Canterbury (UC) Campus, it is hard to choose just one to explore. This is why a tour with Corban Te Aika (Ngāi Tahu) to discover more about the cultural narrative being woven through the campus buildings is worthy of attendance.

Bookings essential, see openchch.nz.

Peterborough Housing Cooperative

The Peterborough Housing Cooperative, designed by architect Craig South. Image:  Sarah Rowlands

See how a group of people live, and thrive, in one of the city’s only functioning co-housing developments on a tour with its residents. This unique way of living provides a fascinating glimpse into future housing scenarios with both private and shared areas on one site.

Bookings essential, see openchch.nz.


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